Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation

The Basic Human Needs Program funds projects and programs whose primary focus is on food, shelter, and clothing for low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations. Food pantries may apply, but the request must be for a program or other initiative, with no more than 25% of grant proceeds used towards the purchase of food related to the broader initiative.

Foundation Directors will review each grant proposal for the following:

• Confirmation that the organization is reasonably financially stable, with no overwhelming threats to their continued viability
• Evidence of experienced leadership at the staff and board levels
• Program uniqueness and the needs of the target population
• Anticipated impact of the project on its participants
• The significance of the grant on the organization's ability to implement the project
• A clear detailing of how results will be measured and communicated, and how success will be defined
• Primarily benefits those within the Bank's communities

Learn more about Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation eligibility requirements.

Grant requests considered up to $20,000 and reviewed on the following schedule:

The Educational Opportunities Program is designed to encourage organizations to provide unique and meaningful educational opportunities to youths and adults.

Programs include, but are not limited to:

• Job training and job readiness programs
• Adult education and English as a Second Language
• Credit education and home buying seminars
• Youth enrichment programs

Foundation Directors will review each grant proposal for the following:

• Confirmation that the organization is reasonably financially stable, with no overwhelming threats to their continued viability
• Evidence of experienced leadership at the staff and board levels
• Program uniqueness and the needs of the target population
• Anticipated impact of the project on its participants
• The significance of the grant on the organization's ability to implement the project
• A clear detailing of how results will be measured and communicated, and how success will be defined
• Primarily benefits those within the Bank's communities

Learn more about Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation eligibility requirements.

Grant requests considered up to $20,000 and reviewed on the following schedule.

The Capacity Building Program funds initiatives designed to strengthen and increase the impact of local non-profits by improving their organizational capacity.

Desired outcomes for non-profits selected to receive grants through this program include one or more of the following:

• Improved governance and leadership
• Improved staff skills
• Improved management systems and practices
• Completed strategic plans
• Improved, expanded, or additional services
• Expanded strategic assets, including financial and human resources

Successful applicants will be able to describe how their enhanced capacity will ultimately benefit the communities that they serve.

Learn more about Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation eligibility requirements.

Grant requests considered up to $20,000 and reviewed on the following schedule.

During his tenure as CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank, John was supportive of the Foundation and its efforts to help strengthen local non-profits. John also believed in the importance of leadership and the need to develop and recognize strong leaders.

To honor his contributions to the Foundation in a way that reflects his personal interests, we are proud to introduce The John R. Heerwagen Award for Nonprofit Leadership.

This annual award recognizes a strong, nonprofit leader whose work has significantly benefited the lives and wellbeing of residents within the Foundation's community. The award provides a one-time grant of $20,000 to the recipient's organization to be used in a manner that the recipient believes will benefit the organization.

Nomination Process:

The Selection Committee will accept nominations from anyone familiar with the nominee. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

The nomination period is now closed. 

Selection Criteria:

The Selection Committee seeks to recognize experienced, nonprofit leaders who demonstrate the ability to develop and implement effective organizational strategies. The ideal nominee will demonstrate the following capabilities and characteristics:

• Creates and stewards collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of their organization in a manner that produces tangible benefits to the community.
• Brings innovative ideas forward and to fruition.
• Builds organizational and individual capacity and expertise.
• Instills passion in themselves and the people with whom they work.
• Demonstrates the highest levels of integrity and ethical behavior.

2019 John R. Heerwagen Award for Nonprofit Leadership Recipient

Jeff Feingold, President, Hope & Comfort, was last year’s John R. Heerwagen Award for Nonprofit Leadership recipient. A one-time grant of $15,000 was presented to Mr. Feingold and will be used in a manner that he believes will benefit Hope & Comfort, an organization that seeks to provide essential hygiene products to support and improve the health, self-esteem, and hygiene education of school-aged children and young adults in need.

For additional information, please contact us at:

Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation
PO Box 5210
Westborough, MA. 01581-5210

For general and program-related questions, or technical questions regarding the submission process, contact:

Mike Kuza
mkuza@middlesexbank.com

To be eligible for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. They must also plan to attend a four-year college program, and graduate from one of the many public, charter, or vocational high schools in the communities we serve. The winner is selected from among eligible applicants by an independent committee on the basis of strength and quality of submitted essays.

Middlesex is a full-service bank serving individuals, families and business owners throughout Massachusetts.

In an effort to better support the needs of our nonprofit partners during these challenging times, the Foundation has established the Operating Support Program. Grant dollars may be used by organizations to support any of a wide variety of operating expenses including supplies, staffing, and other overhead.
 
Foundation Directors will review each grant proposal for the following:

• Confirmation that the organization is financially stable, with no overwhelming threats to its continued viability
• Evidence of experienced leadership at the staff and board levels
• A commitment to continuing to provide services to the community

 
The application period for the Operating Support Program is now closed. 
 
Maximum grant size is 10% of the agency’s annual operating budget or $10,000, whichever is less.

Grant requests will be reviewed on the following schedule:
Submitted by:                    Reviewed by:
August 3, 2020                  October, 2020